NEWPORT BEACH : Plan for Gas Station Mini-Marts Weighed

A longstanding Newport Beach policy of not allowing gas stations to operate mini-marts that by state law may also sell beer and wine will come under review by the City Council tonight.

The operators of a Texaco station at Jamboree and San Joaquin Hills roads asked for a rule change, saying that allowing the sale of convenience items would help cover soaring rents and the rising costs of doing business in the city.

But residents in the nearby Big Canyon community have opposed the plan, saying the revamped service station would become a hangout for youngsters and would not offer the community beneficial services not already available at local markets.

“In a truly residential neighborhood, do you need this?” questioned Tom Myan, vice president of the Canyon Mesa Community Assn., one of a number of groups in Big Canyon.

Residents have opposed the issue before the Planning Commission and plan to attend the hearing today.

But the council, in addition to deciding an issue concerning nearby homeowners and a local business, will also need to decide if members want to allow stations throughout the city to sell snack items, including beer and wine that would be consumed off-site.

According to the city attorney’s office, based on state codes, the city cannot permit the stations to sell mini-mart-style goods but prohibit the sale of beer and wine.

The Planning Commission agreed that such alcoholic beverages should not be available where gas is sold, so they did not approve that part of the ordinance.

Commissioners did, however, approve other services contained in the proposal, including mechanical car-wash facilities.